The Most Popular Medicinal Plants and Proven to Have Healing Efficacy

Many popular medicinal plants have proven healing properties, and they are very beneficial for health. Since ancient times, our ancestors have used various medicinal plants to treat various health problems.

In this article, we will discuss various medicinal plants that people often use to treat various health problems. To get complete information, read the discussion below until the end!
 

The Most Popular Medicinal Plants and Proven to Have Healing Efficacy

Indonesia is a country that is rich in sources of medicinal plants which can be easily obtained from empty gardens around residential areas or purchased in shops. Reporting from the official website of the Badan Penelitian dan Pengembangan Kesehatan, Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia (BADAN LITBANGKES RI), the following are several medicinal plants that are quite popular among Indonesian people.
 

1. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is a medicinal plant whose benefits are no longer in doubt and is often consumed by many people. The benefits provided by ginger cannot be separated from the content in it. One of them is the gingerol content, which is a content that has high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Ginger has various benefits for body health, such as overcoming nausea, and dizziness due to vertigo, and alleviating pain due to menstruation. Apart from that, ginger is also effective in helping relieve stomach aches and headaches, and can even relieve rheumatism and osteoarthritis.
 

2. Cat’s Whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus)

The cat’s whisker plant is also known as a medicinal plant that can provide many benefits. Cat’s whisker leaves are known to be very effective in treating urinary stones and improving the urinary tract. This is because this plant has diuretic properties which help increase urine production, thereby helping to remove dirty bacteria in the bladder.

Apart from that, the cat’s whisker plant also contains anti-inflammatory substances that are useful for treating gout, rheumatism, allergies, coughs, and diabetes. With the many benefits provided, it is not surprising that cat whiskers are often used to treat various diseases.
 

3. Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

Aloe vera is famous for its benefits for facial beauty and healthy hair and skin. Aloe vera gel is useful for moisturizing the skin, eliminating acne, nourishing hair, and reducing burn scars.

These many benefits are obtained from the content of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E which are antioxidants. Apart from that, this plant also contains minerals such as calcium, chromium, magnesium, and sodium.
 

4. Sand Ginger (Kaempferia galanga)

Sand ginger or Kencur has antibiotic properties which are very useful for curing various diseases and increasing the body’s immunity. Apart from that, the essential oil produced can provide a therapeutic effect as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory which is useful for reducing pain.

Sand ginger rhizomes are very efficacious for treating gastric inflammation, inflammation of the ears in children, and influenza in babies. Apart from that, sand ginger rhizome is also useful for treating frequently encountered complaints such as colds, headaches, coughs, stomach disorders, nausea, sprains, and aches.
 

5. Betel (Piper betle)

Since the time of our ancestors, betel leaves have been known as a powerful medicinal plant for treating various health problems. The antioxidant properties of tannins can be useful for clotting blood and healing wounds.

Some people often chew betel leaves to maintain oral hygiene and healthy teeth. This is done because betel leaves can help prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
 

6. Java Ginger (Curcuma zanthorrhiza)

Java ginger or Temulawak is a type of medicinal plant that is efficacious for treating digestive problems. Various digestive problems such as flatulence or gastric disorders can be relieved by consuming ginger.

The rhizome of ginger smells aromatic and has properties to increase breast milk, is anti-inflammatory, improves liver function, and is a diuretic. Apart from that, ginger also functions to increase appetite, so ginger is often found in capsules or herbal medicine to increase appetite.
 

7. Galangal (Alpinia galanga)

Galangal is a type of medicinal plant that is often used as a cooking spice in typical Indonesian foods. The content of beta-sitosterol, alangin, and flavonoids in galangal is very beneficial for body health.

Galangal also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. The ingredients contained in galangal are useful for reducing pain, and inflammation, and fighting infection.
 

8. Lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia)

Limes have a high vitamin C content and are antioxidants. Lime consumed regularly can improve the immune system, prevent kidney stones, reduce the risk of heart disease, and is useful for improving skin health.
 

9. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric contains curcumin which is useful for maintaining digestive health, reducing the risk of heart disease, and lowering cholesterol levels. Turmeric is also beneficial for beauty because it can brighten the skin and act as an antioxidant.
 

10. Cucumber Tree (Averrhoa bilimbi)

Cucumber tree is usually used in the kitchen to add a sour taste to many foods. This medicinal plant is useful for treating rheumatic mouth ulcers, aches and pains, and even toothache.
 

That is an explanation of various popular medicinal plants that have been proven to be effective in curing various health problems. Hopefully, this article can be useful and add insight to readers.